How many times have you been in the middle of cutting angle or tubing, to then have to stop and replace your abrasive cutoff wheel? Hand-raised – I know that I have many times. The Lenox MetalMax cutoff wheel may drastically change the rate at which you make these wheel changes. Lenox claims to get up to 30x longer life from their MetalMax wheels, compared to typical abrasives.

We did our best here at Shop Tool Reviews to give this new MetalMax cutoff wheel a good shakedown. Even though Lenox makes the MetalMax wheels from 1″ – 14″, we only had access to the 4-1/2″ cutoff wheel.

Making the most of it, we used our trusty DeWalt FlexVolt 60V grinder for all our testing. Also, we ensured there was a full battery between wheel changes to confirm equal testing. Our conclusion is that performance was equal, but safety and durability was nothing of the same.

Same use – use in the same power tools as bonded abrasive wheels, at the same RPMs and feed forces.

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MetalMax Cutoff Wheel Specifications

Product Number: 1972921

Diameter: 4-1/2″

Thickness: .050″

Arbor: 7/8″

Power Tool Type: Angle Grinder

RPM Max: 12,200

Price: $14.99

Final Cut

Performance of the MetalMax wheel compared to our well-known branded abrasive wheel were very equal, with the edge leaning toward the abrasive – in the beginning. Once the abrasive wheel wore down, after 10 or 15 cuts, the Lenox didn’t change; therefore, the performance edge leaned to the Lenox MetalMax. Durability, Longevity, and Safety has to go to the MetalMax. If these latter three are of any importance, the Lenox MetalMax is a great option for a 4-1/2″ cutoff wheel.

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About The Author

Having a love of automobiles that stems from his father's racing days, Tim has spent a lifetime around cars and trucks. From restoring and renovating them as well as fixing them when they break, Tim always has a tool handy. He currently resides in central Florida with his wife and 5 kids where he divides his time as mentor, devoted father, loving husband and jungle gym.